Little Ways to Share Happiness: Focus on small acts of kindness #Hersheys

This post is sponsored by Hersheys, via a blogging opportunity with SocialMoms.  What are the little ways you share happiness with those around you?

There are times when life gets too hectic and crazy.  Raising kids is a tough job!  I want to be the kind of mom that my kids look back on when they're my age.  I want them to remember the happy times and the little things I did for them.  They'll likely remember their first trip to Disney, but I want them to also remember the little ways I showed my love for them.

Adopting an attitude of gratitude:  In order to be happy, you have to be thankful.  I once had a priest ask me to spend a moment each day thinking about how much of a blessing my kids were to me.  To think about one thing about my child each day that I was grateful for.  Loud noises?  Not grateful for those!  However, I am grateful that my children are healthy enough to make those loud noises and aren't sick and in hospital recovering from cancer or worse.  Finding things to be grateful for helps to keep your frame of mind positive instead of negative, thus making it easier to do nice things for other people.

Surprise them!  Isn't every kid happy with a treat?  A note saying, "I love you" or "Good luck on your test!" tucked into a lunch box means a lot to kids.  They know you think about them, but it is nice to have a little note to reaffirm your love and belief in them.  I also sometimes slip a small amount of candy into their lunches.  One or two Hershey's kisses is a nice lunch time delight, without too much sugar to make them hyper at school.  One of my other favorite things to do is to load them in the car without telling them where we are going.  The surprise trip might end up at the beach, ice cream shop, park or skating rink.  None of these little things is a full-blown, action packed vacation-like trip.  But they are small moments of happiness spent as a family that I hope they'll remember and look fondly back upon when they have kids of their own someday.

Pamper them!  For my husband, I make him a cup of his favorite tea without being asked.  I know that he enjoys it and wouldn't always normally make a cup for just himself.  When I know he's having a rough week, I make a special trip to the only store in our area that sells Chubby Hubby, his favorite ice cream.  We don't need the pomp and circumstance of a large Valentine's Day celebration to know we love each other.  We show our family love every day with the little things we do to show we care.

Focusing on the little things that are acts of kindness help to make a family unit stronger and happier.  Teaching your kids to adopt an attitude of gratitude, to cheerfully obey, do their chores, and help each other makes life more bearable for all.  It also teaches them to do something for someone else without expectation of reward or return of favor.  Like sands through the hourglass, little kindnesses add up to a large amount on the other end. 

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hershey's blogging program, for a gift card worth $25 and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Connect with Hershey's via Social Media:  Hershey's on Facebook

Hershey's Drops Hershey’s Drops are sold in 8 oz. resealable, standup pouches, keeping them fresh and delicious. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Drops will also come in King Size 2.1 oz. packs. New Hershey’s Drops are sold nationwide at mass, grocery, drug and convenience stores.


About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 12,000 employees. With revenues of more than $5 billion, Hershey offers such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers as well as the smooth, Cremey indulgence of Hershey’s Bliss chocolates. Hershey is a leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, with such brands as Hershey’s Special Dark and Hershey’s Extra Dark. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba. For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where we live, work and do business. The Milton Hershey School, established by the company’s founder in 1909, provides a nurturing environment, quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. The School is administered by the Hershey Trust Company, Hershey’s largest shareholder, making the students of Milton Hershey School direct beneficiaries of Hershey’s success. Please visit us at www.hersheys.com.